Saxon Loop

The Saxon Axis in one of the most important urban landscape designs of Warsaw, dating back to the 18th century baroque period. The axis starts at Pilsudski Square at the Saxon Palace, continuing via the Saxon Garden, the Iron Gate Square and ending at the Hale Mirowskie, the largest market halls in this part of Europe, built in the 19th century.

The palace has been destroyed during WWII, and nowadays the Tomb of the Unknown Soldiers is located in its ruins. The Pilsudski square in front of the Tomb has become the national public square, where most of the important national events are organized. After the WWI, the axis and the Saxon Garden have been cut off from the market halls, by Marszalkowska Street, which crosses the area and which became enlarged and has a separate tram track, with fences around, making it impossible to cross. Pedestrians need to use crossings, 300 meters away, instead of crossing directly at the axis.

In March 2013, Bygg’s proposal how solve this problem, has been published for the broader public in the Warsaw issue of Gazeta Wyborcza. Bygg has proposed a new passage over Marszalkowska, which will connect the two parts of the city. The new passage, in the form of a loop, consists of a slow ramp for bikes and faster stairs for pedestrians. We have had an intention to create an extraordinary public space with green and benches, a symbolic continuation of the Saxon Garden. The new bridge can serve as a new attraction for Warsaw, an attractive stop during walks, where people can relax or enjoy the overview over the Saxon Garden. Also, the green ‘isle’ in the middle of the road becomes connected to the rest of the city. That waste land can now be used for outdoor events, like a market place, a skate park, etc…